Child safety at heart of birthday celebration for slain Sandra Cantu

TRACY - Keeping children safe is the gleaming hope that has grown out of a tragedy in Tracy.

Jennie Rodriguez

TRACY - Keeping children safe is the gleaming hope that has grown out of a tragedy in Tracy.

On Tuesday, little ones from throughout the city enjoyed special services and treats, from frozen yogurt to safety education - all in the name of Sandra Cantu, who would have turned 10 that day.

Sandra disappeared March 27, 2009. By the time her disappearance was reported to authorities, she already had been killed by a neighbor's hand, but her body wasn't found until 10 days later.

Tuesday, Sandra's loved ones wanted to honor her with a birthday bash that focused on the positive impact she left in the community, especially in keeping the city's children out of harm's way.

Ten balloons were released into the blue windy sky at one of those venues. And a cake was sliced to celebrate.

Angie Chavez, Sandra's aunt, said the community has been supportive throughout the ordeal. "And for that, our family is thankful," she said.

Sandra's disappearance from the Orchard Mobile Home Park nearly two years ago brought a community together in the search. Reward money was donated. Volunteers came forward. And when her body was discovered in a canal, they came together once more in mourning.

Those affected wanted to never again feel the heartbreak of another child fallen victim, and so the focus has turned to child safety.

That sentiment carried into Tuesday's celebration, where education sessions were held at Tracy Fire Department and at Traditional Martial Arts Academy.

Fingerprint kits were given to parents at FTM Mortgage, which hosted a cake-cutting ceremony.

"Every person - certainly our community members - was touched to the core," said Tracy Police Chief Janet Thiessen, who spoke at the ceremony. "It was something a little girl ... has done so much to shape our community."

Fritzie Hollingsworth brought her children - Geena, 9, and Gene Ray, 6 - to make them aware of precautions.

Geena and Gene helped release the 10 balloons.

"I'm thrilled that there are a lot of people who care about what's going on when it comes to our children," Hollingsworth said. "This community is very supportive when it comes to kids' safety."

About nine businesses and organizations in Tracy participated in providing something free for children and promoting safety throughout the city.

Classic Gymnastics offered an open house where children could play on equipment.

"I think the (family) had a great idea, bringing everyone together again in the memory of their daughter," said Jenny Garay, owner of Classic Gymnastics. "Because this is a place that has kids every day, I feel for them and I want to support them."